Invasive Plant Council of BC annual Forum “Invasion of the Aliens”

November 4, 2010 – Invasive Plant Council of British Columbia to host highly anticipated “Invasion of the Aliens!” public forum in Richmond, January 18-19, 2011, to address invasive species threatening BC.

Invasive species are silently invading British Columbia’s unique landscapes, fertile range and agriculture lands, fragile ecosystems, and vibrant communities at an alarming rate. These ‘unwanted’ invaders cost taxpayers millions of dollars each year, with rising management costs, lost industry productivity, and alteration of critical ecosystems.

To address this issue, you are invited to join over 140 experts, land managers, concerned individuals, a diversity of high calibre speakers, and the Invasive Plant Council of British Columbia (IPCBC) at their highly anticipated public forum, “Invasion of the Aliens!” to be held January 18-19th, 2011 at the Delta Vancouver Airport Hotel in Richmond, BC.

“This event will provide an excellent opportunity for networking among participants, enhancing invasive species management in BC and across Canada,” said Invasive Plant Council executive director, Gail Wallin.

Participants will have the opportunity to engage in thought-provoking discussions, listen to dynamic speakers, check out conference displays and posters, and meet and greet others during nibble and network sessions. Speakers will discuss current threats of invasive species to BC, North American collaborations, invasive species impacts on BC resources, Canada’s response to invasive species, and how to make a difference.

You are also invited to attend the post-forum workshop, “Making it Work…Locally,” on January 20th, 2011. Space is limited, so be sure to register early.

Details on submitting posters, booking conference displays, and registering along with a draft agenda for “Invasion of the Aliens!” can be found on the IPCBC website under “What’s Happening”: www.invasiveplantcouncilbc.ca .

By ‘spreading the word, not the weeds,’ you can help reduce the negative and escalating impacts of invasive species in BC. Find out how to get involved, attend this forum, become a member (FREE!), and source information on other events and programs, from the IPCBC website.— 30 –

The IPCBC is a grassroots, non-profit society working collaboratively to build cooperation and coordination of invasive species management in BC. Workshops, activities, and events, such as the IPCBC’s “Invasion of the Aliens” forum, educate the public and professionals about invasive species and their potential risks. Events like this forum will continue to assist the IPCBC through outreach and education; thus minimizing the establishment of invasive species in BC.

The IPCBC has grown rapidly since its inception in 2004. Initiated and mentored under the vision of the Fraser Basin Council, the Invasive Plant Council of BC is recognized across the country for its leadership in building collaboration to the challenging and exploding problem of invasive species.

For more information, contact the Invasive Plant Council of BC (IPCBC):www.invasiveplantcouncilbc.ca • 250-392-1400 or 1-888-WEEDSBC • info@invasiveplantcouncilbc.ca